Entering Mathura: the Washerman, the Weaver, the Garland-maker and Kubja

As soon as they walked into Mathura, Krishna humbled an arrogant washerman and blessed the weaver, the garland-maker Sudama and the hunchbacked Kubja, who served him with love.

After Akrura brought them from Vrindavan, Krishna and Balarama left the cowherds resting in a garden outside the city and walked into Mathura with their friends to see its wonders. The women of Mathura had heard countless stories about the dark boy of Vraja. They left their work half done and crowded onto balconies and rooftops, showering flowers on the two brothers as they passed.

On the royal road they met a washerman carrying fine garments that had been dyed and washed for King Kansa. Krishna politely asked him for some suitable clothes, saying that he would surely be rewarded. Proud of serving the king, the washerman mocked them as forest boys who roamed the hills and told them to leave if they wished to stay alive. Krishna struck him with the edge of his hand and he fell lifeless. His helpers ran away, leaving the clothes behind, and the brothers and their companions dressed themselves as they liked.

A weaver who saw this came forward with joy. With great skill he adorned the brothers with cloth ornaments that suited them perfectly. Pleased with his loving service, Krishna blessed him with prosperity in this life and nearness to the Lord after it.

Next they went to the house of Sudama, a humble garland-maker (not the Brahmin friend of later days). He bowed down, washed their feet and offered them fragrant garlands made with his own hands. Krishna asked him to choose a boon. Sudama asked only for unwavering devotion to the Lord, friendship with his devotees and kindness to all beings. Krishna gave him that and also strength, long life, fame and wealth for his family.

Further on they met a young woman whose body was bent in three places, so people called her Trivakra or Kubja. She was carrying sandal paste for the king. When Krishna playfully asked to whom it belonged, she was charmed by his sweetness and gave the finest paste to both brothers. To repay her, Krishna pressed her feet with his toes, lifted her chin with two fingers and gently drew her upright. In a moment her bent body became straight and beautiful. Full of love, she invited him to her home, and Krishna smiled and promised to visit her once his work in Mathura was done.

The brothers then went on to the arena where the great bow was kept, and the events that ended Kansa's rule began.

This leela shows that the Lord does not look at rank or appearance. Pride closes the door to his grace, while even the smallest gift offered with love is accepted and returned a thousandfold.

Source

Shrimad Bhagavatam, Canto 10, ch. 41–42

Place

Mathura

Lesson

Pride shuts out grace, while even a small gift offered with love is accepted by the Lord.